Chapter 358: It Breaks My Heart

Madelyn watched the scene unfold, a cold smirk playing on her lips. Eunice, an expert at deception, showed only docility despite having recently forced someone to drink poison. Spotting Madelyn, Eunice greeted her enthusiastically, "Madelyn, you're back!"

Madelyn offered a casual smile and entered the house. Seeing this, Eunice adopted a pitiful expression and said to Derek, "Dad, why is Madelyn still ignoring me?" Derek, feeling awkward, gently reassured her, "It's alright. Madelyn is just like that. Try to be more understanding of her."

"Alright," Eunice nodded obediently, smiling. As it grew late, they entered the house. Suddenly, Eunice suggested, "Dad, how about I cook lunch for you and Madelyn?"

Derek was surprised. "You actually know how to cook?"

"I've studied a little in the past, but never actually done it. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get the chance," Eunice replied with a cheeky smile.

"But what about that leg of yours?" Derek remained concerned.

"Dad, don't worry," Eunice reassured him, "I'll only need to use my hands. All you and Madelyn need to do is wait for me to finish cooking." She then headed into the kitchen using her crutch.

Watching her, Derek felt a surge of pride. Unable to contain himself, he asked Madelyn, "Maddie, do you think Eunice has truly changed?"

"Changed?" Madelyn reacted as if to a joke, shaking her head in disbelief. However, she didn't refute her father, simply replying, "I suppose so."

Madelyn thought, Eunice really knows how to curry favor with Dad. She chats with him and offered to cook. No wonder Dad is once again fooled by her. In that case, I'll just sit back and watch.

Soon, the tantalizing aroma of food filled the air. The boiler assisted Eunice in serving the dishes. As she untied her apron, Eunice smiled and called, "Dad, Madelyn, the food is ready."

They went to the table and began their meal. Eunice served her father and Madelyn generous portions, smiling sweetly. "I had the boiler rush to the market early this morning to get the freshest ingredients. I'm sure the food tastes good, doesn't it?"

Derek took a bite and praised, "You're finally all grown up now, Eunice. Even the food you cook is so delicious."

Madelyn took a bite, only to encounter a mouthful of salt. Her face contorted as she retched. Unable to contain herself, she exclaimed, "Good heavens, what is this? Why isn't the salt evenly mixed?"

Eunice's face paled, then she adopted a pitiful expression. "I… I'm not really good at cooking, Madelyn. Please don't hold it against me."

Madelyn, perplexed, decided to be frank. "Eunice, I didn't mean to belittle you. I was just stating the facts. If you're going to be this sensitive, you might as well stay out of the kitchen in the future."

Eunice, frustrated, gave Derek a pitiful look. "Dad, I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional. Perhaps due to my injury, everything tasted bland to me. That's why I added so much salt. I didn't do it on purpose."

Tears welled in Eunice's eyes. Derek's heart melted, and he consoled her, "Alright, alright, I know you didn't do it on purpose. There's no need to cry."

He then turned to Madelyn, his tone reproachful. "Madelyn, you should also understand your sister's good intentions. She's been hurt, so it's inevitable that she can't be attentive all the time. Don't be too harsh on her."

Madelyn scoffed, "Understood." Watching her father console Eunice, Madelyn remained silent. She realized her father was completely won over by Eunice, and further discussion would be pointless.

Madelyn remained suspicious of Eunice's true motives; she didn't believe her remorse was sincere. Yet, Eunice appeared perfectly normal. Madelyn's suspicions deepened.

After leaving the Thornton residence, Madelyn called Josiah. "Josiah, remember when I asked you to look into what my stepmother and stepsister have been up to recently? Did you find anything?"

"Not yet," Josiah replied. He added, "However, it seems like your stepsister has recently started dating a guy—his background appears unusual. Tristan and I are currently investigating."

"Good, that's settled then. Remember to keep me updated," Madelyn said before hanging up.

It was eleven o'clock at night at Lockhart Villa. Sebastian's work had been extremely hectic lately. That day, upon returning home, he relaxed on the couch.

Madelyn emerged from the bathroom. Seeing his exhaustion, her heart ached. She put down her towel and quietly massaged his shoulders.

Sebastian opened his eyes, saying, "Thank you," his voice laced with fatigue.

Madelyn chuckled, saying with helplessness, "What I'm doing is nothing compared to your work. I have nothing to complain about, but seeing you so worn out always breaks my heart."

Sebastian asked, "Break your heart? Why?"

"Haven't you heard of a certain phenomenon? When two people have been together for a long time, they develop a certain kind of emotional connection. When you're hurt, my heart aches in sympathy. When something happens to you, my heart jolts in response. Likewise, if you're having a hard time, I feel it too," Madelyn explained.

She moved to his front and nestled into his embrace. "Promise me that you won't overwork yourself like this again," she implored. "If you can't finish your work today, there's always tomorrow. Besides, Wesley and Malcolm are always there to help, aren't they? If you tire yourself out doing everything, it would break my heart."

Sebastian smiled, tousling her hair. "Alright, I promise. Now, get some sleep."